The trend of indoor/outdoor living is now a standard feature in new homes being built at three new neighborhoods at Del Sur, a master-planned community north of state Route 56 in San Diego.

Nine recently opened model homes all showcase a built-in space called the Del Sur room. An al fresco extension of the home, with one to three sides enclosed, the Del Sur room allows for a variety of uses. Distinctive to each of the nine new floor plans, the Del Sur room provides transition from indoor to outdoor environments and includes options like a built-in fireplace and pre-wired lighting and fan fixtures for optimum comfort and entertaining. One builder’s option to include a flat-screen plasma TV creates an outdoor media room.

The naturally inspired designs open the home to San Diego’s perfect climate. Whether a homeowner seeks a space for quiet reflection, family time or entertaining, the Del Sur room provides an outdoor environment that feels like indoors. Furnishing and design possibilities include a sofa and chair or other comfortable seating with plenty of pillows, plus a cocktail table and green potted plants; or a dining table and chairs with tieback curtains to define the space.

The Del Sur room is accessed through sliding doors, and the space acts as a transition to the backyard and the entertaining opportunities there. A number of Del Sur model home backyards showcase such features as built-in barbecues, dining areas, conversation fire pits, waterfalls and hot tubs.

New neighborhoods Valencia by California West Communities, and Carleton and Presidio by Standard Pacific Homes feature the Del Sur room.

Local interior designers, architects, contractors and decorators are invited to showcase a recent residential project in this space. Contact Home + Garden editor Chris Ross,